Bonnet Shores Fire District Community Center

130 Bonnet Shores Road

Narragansett, Rhode Island

Monthly Meeting

June 20, 2007

The meeting was Called to Order by Chairperson Joe Thomas. Those in attendance included Bill Dickinson, Pat Mannix and Dan Quirk. District Manager Erin Rooney, Treasurer Natalie McDonald, Tax Collector Helen Patience, Harbormaster Mike Tortolani were also present. Bruce Fournier, Bob Stebenne and Clerk Catherine Kelleher were absent.

NOTE: These minutes were transcribed from a tape recording due to the absence of the Clerk at the meeting.

Pledge of Allegiance

The Assembly recited the Pledge of Allegiance. The Council and Assembly also observed a prayerful moment of silence for the men and women in uniform who are serving in the Armed Forces, in harm’s way, in Afghanistan and Iraq and, in particular, for those serving from our own state and community.

Urgent Business

Joe Thomas reported that Lloyd Albert, who was elected moderator for the 2007 Annual Meeting, is unable to fulfill his duties as moderator due to a work related conflict. The Council members were asked to propose candidates for this position. Pat Mannix reported that Joe Bleczinski agreed to serve as moderator. Joe Thomas indicated that Kerry Rafanelli also agreed to serve. Doris Baris suggested Michael Carty. Pat Mannix expressed concern that Kerry Rafanelli as moderator would be a conflict of interest.

Period of Public Comment

A. Winnie Kelly stated that she felt the brochure for the Community Center Expansion/Renovation was very lovely.

B. Doris Baris reported that unleashed dogs have been on Kelly Beach. Lee Listro suggested checking with the Bonnet Shores Beach Club regarding their beach policy. Paul Haas suggested posting a sign to call the Animal Control officer with a phone number at both beaches so that if someone sees an unleashed dog on the beach, they have the number readily available.

 

C. Mary Beth Holland stated that she has seen golf carts on Col. John Gardner Road. Pat Mannix stated that she asked Jean Albert to post a "No Golf Carts on Bonnet Shores Fire District Roads" in the newsletter as it is presently posted in the Fire District. John Silveira asked if the District Manager could send a letter to owners who are driving golf carts on the Fire District Roads. Erin Rooney will draft a letter to be delivered to residents who are in violation of Fire District ordinances.

D. Matthew Mannix advised the Council of the importance of appointing a moderator for the Annual Meeting as soon as possible. Pat Mannix made a motion to appoint Joe Bleczinski as moderator of the 2007 Annual Meeting. That motion was not seconded.

Ratification of Minutes

E. Bob Stebenne motioned to approve the May 2007 meeting minutes. The motion was seconded by Dan Quirk and approved by all Council members in attendance.

F. Ratification of the March 2007 meeting minutes was again deferred to next month’s meeting.

Committee Reports

Beach and Community Center (Bob Stebenne)

1. Bill Dickinson reported on these committees in the absence of Bob Stebenne.

2. The report is on disk and a hard copy is retained at the Community

3. Joe Thomas read Kerry Rafanelli’s response from Peter Schaeffer, Chief of the State of Rhode Island Department of Administration Budget Office of Municipal Affairs, regarding the interpretation of the 5 ¼ cap on the tax increase. A copy was given to all Council members.

Pond (Bill Dickinson)

The report is on disk and a hard copy is retained at the Community Center.

Beautification (Bill Dickinson)

The report is on disk and a hard copy is retained at the Community Center.

Annual Meeting Voting Procedures (Bill Dickinson)

This committee is attempting to secure 12 high school students as ballot counters.

Trash (Pat Mannix)

4. The dumpster season began on May 19^th from 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. at the Community Center.

5. The dumpster schedule is posted at Kelly Beach, Little Beach, at the Community Center and in the newsletter.

6. Trash collection occurs twice weekly: On Mondays (for trash and recyclables) and on Thursday (trash only).

7. Bulky pick-up is July 25, 2007.

Social (Pat Mannix)

8. A summer cook-out is planned for July 13^th at 6:30 p.m. at the Bonnet Shores Beach Club.

9. Plans are under way for Bonnet Shores’ 75^th Anniversary celebration which will be held on September 21, 2007 at 6:00 p.m. at the Dunes Club.

10. The Yard Sale is scheduled for July 21, 2007.

Harbor (Dan Quirk)

11. Doris Baris, Mike Tortolani and Dan met with Kevin Cute regarding the Harbor Plan. Rights of Way were addressed with him.

12. New ordinances will be voted on at the 2008 Annual Meeting.

13. Mr. Cute recommended that the floats for the swimming area be placed at our boundary line, not all the way to the rocks.

14. No motor crafts within 200 feet of a swim area is a town ordinance.

15. Mike Tortolani reported that, even though the Harbor Plan will not be instituted for another year, in the interim he has filed for floats and a one time permit until the Plan takes place.

Treasurer’s Report (Natalie McDonald)

G. The report is on disk and a hard copy is retained at the Community Center.

H. $85,928 is in the money market/checking account combined.

I. The report is submitted for audit.

Tax Collector’s Report (Helen Patience)

J. The report is on disk and a hard copy is retained in the Community Center.

K. 2007 Fiscal Year tax information is as follows:

Total assessment - $575,711,200.00

Taxes assessed - $232,587.32

Total abated taxes - $2,829.89

Total collectable taxes - $229,659.99

Taxes collected to date - $225,077.30

Returned check fees - $31.99

Interest collected - $1,257.12

Percentage collected – 98%

L. Fiscal Year 2006 tax information is as follows:

Uncollected from the prior year - $1,220.95

Taxes collected from prior year – $620.64

Uncollected taxes - $600.31

Interest collected - $101.48

Land Trust

M. Doris Baris reported that, at the last Land Trust meeting, the following was discussed:

1. Spring Brook Road

2. Property in transition

3. Assets of the Land Trust to fund a project for the Community Center

4. Interlocal Trust insurance

5. Storm emergencies

6. Grant money for a foot bridge

7. Storm damage

8. Beach upkeep

9. Missing plaque on the Community Center wall to be replaced

N. The Bench Policy was reviewed at the request of Joe Thomas. A moratorium was put on benches approximately 7 years ago. The maintenance of the benches is to be by the benefactors. Doris reported that the Bench Policy will be revisited again by the Committee in the future. .

U.R.I. Coalition (Paul Haas)

O. Mr. Haas reported that the Vice President of Student Affairs at U.R.I. has withdrawn from the Coalition. The Chief of Police has also withdrawn.

P. The Chief of Police recently reported that Bonnet Shores has taken first place in the most disturbances and nuisance houses ahead of Eastward Look.

Q. Paul proposed that the District Manager deal directly with those matters that affect us, with the proper authorities from the Town.

R. Mr. Haas tendered his resignation as the representative for the Fire District with the U.R.I. Coalition. He hopes that the Council will appoint the District Manager as the new representative, in the interests of Bonnet Shores and the serious rental issues. Mr. Haas indicated that he would be happy to work with the District Manager in these matters.

S. Joe Thomas thanked Paul for the time he has served.

T. Ann Marie Silveira suggested that the District Manager write a letter to the landlords addressing specific rental problems and if they don’t address the issues, the matter should be referred to the Town.

District Manager’s Report (Erin Rooney)

U. 5 lifeguards have been hired and will begin work on June 23, 2007.

V. 3 bids have been sent out for landscaping.

W. Telephone calls have been received regarding parking at Kelly Beach. Erin indicated that she has called the police when she is aware of parking violations.

X. The cost effectiveness of Cox Cable is being evaluated for computer services.

Y. Many recycle bins have been requested

Z. Prices and products for bike racks at the Community Center are being reviewed.

AA. Camp registration will be on June 22, 2007 from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. Camp starts on Monday, June 25^th.

BB. The beach bus starts on June 30, 2007

CC. A lot of complaints have been registered about overgrown hedges and high grass which are obstructing views.

Old Business

Residents are invited to stop by the Community Center on June 30, 2007 to view the floor plan layout for the proposed renovation and expansion of the Community Center.

 

 

 

New Business

Paul Haas suggested placing a "No Parking" notice on vehicles illegally parked in Bonnet Shores and to keep a data bank of cars and license plates of those offenders.

Erin Rooney will ask police to take notice of illegal parking.

Mooring fees and dock replacement issues were discussed.

Bill Dickinson motioned to table further discuss on mooring fees until the August meeting. That motion was seconded by Dan Quirk and approved by the Council 4 votes to 0.

Mr. Dickinson motioned to cancel the July 2007 monthly Council meeting. That motion was seconded by Dan Quirk and approved by all Council members in attendance.

Executive Sessions

None.

Adjournment

DD. Dan Quirk motioned to adjourn the meeting. The motion was seconded by Bill Dickinson and approved by the Council.

EE. The meeting was adjourned.

Respectfully submitted,

Catherine M. Kelleher

Clerk